Pollinator Garden in the DFW Dallas, TX Area

Native Bee-Friendly Plants for the Dallas-Fort Worth Area

Native plants in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area that are excellent for bees provide nectar and pollen, supporting both honeybees and diverse native bee species (over 1,100 in Texas). These plants are adapted to the region’s USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, with hot summers, occasional droughts, and varied soils. Below is a curated list of native plants, prioritized for their bee-attracting qualities, low maintenance, and suitability for DFW’s climate, with bloom times to ensure year-round forage.

Wildflowers & Perennials

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
  Bloom Time: Summer to fall
  Hardy perennial with pink-purple flowers. Thrives in sun to part shade. Long blooming season attracts bees and butterflies.
• Texas Gayfeather (Liatris punctata var. mucronata)
  Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
  Tall, purple flower spikes ideal for sunny, well-drained sites. Important nectar source during late season.
• Gregg’s Mistflower (Conoclinium greggii)
  Bloom Time: Spring to fall
  Low-growing with fuzzy blue-purple flowers. Spreads easily. Popular with many bee species.
• Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani)
  Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
  Tall, bright yellow flowers that support native sun-loving bees like Svastra species.
• Pink Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa)
  Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
  Early nectar provider for bees waking from dormancy. Low-growing and spreads readily.

Shrubs

• White Mistflower (Ageratina havanensis)
  Bloom Time: Fall
  Compact and fragrant shrub that’s vital for bees preparing for winter.
• Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii)
  Bloom Time: Summer to fall
  Tubular orange-red flowers attract both bees and hummingbirds. Very drought-tolerant.
• Texas Kidneywood (Eysenhardtia texana)
  Bloom Time: Spring to fall
  Fragrant white flowers offer nectar and pollen throughout the season. Excellent for xeriscapes.
• Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa)
  Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
  Purple spikes that support early-season bees, including specialist species.

Trees

• Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis)
  Bloom Time: Early spring
  Small tree with bright pink blossoms. Key nectar source in early spring.
• Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana)
  Bloom Time: Early spring
  Fragrant white flowers feed pollinators emerging from winter. Produces edible plums.

Tips for a Bee-Friendly Garden in DFW

• Plant in clusters: Groups of 5–7 of the same species help bees forage more efficiently.
• Diverse bloom times: Ensure flowers are blooming throughout the year by mixing early, mid, and late-season plants.
• Avoid pesticides: Especially neonicotinoids. Choose organic gardening methods to protect bees.
• Provide nesting habitat: Leave bare ground and dead wood for native ground- and cavity-nesting bees.
• Water source: Shallow dishes with pebbles give bees a safe place to hydrate.
• Source locally: Nurseries like Eco Blossom (Fort Worth) or the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center provide regionally adapted plants.

Where to Find These Plants

• Eco Blossom Nursery (Fort Worth)
• North Haven Gardens (Dallas)
• Weston Gardens (Fort Worth)
• Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) for local plant sales
• Native American Seed Company for regional seed mixes

These plants are well-suited to DFW’s climate, require minimal upkeep, and support the region’s vital bee populations. For more tailored advice, consult local master gardeners or Texas AgriLife Extension resources.

If you’d like a chart of bloom times or a customized planting plan, feel free to reach out!